Natural product company news of the week 71266

The expansion of Pizzey Ingredients’ SQF-certified flaxseed processing facility in Russell, Manitoba, Canada, will include an extension of the company’s heat treatment capability. Currently, Pizzey Ingredients’ PurFlax branded products undergo targeted heat treatment to provide a consistent microbial reduction while protecting flaxseed’s natural stability, nutrition and function. Once the expansion is commissioned in Q2 2016, all flaxseed produced by Pizzey Ingredients for both human and animal consumption will undergo a heat treatment step. 

AstaReal, Inc. announced it is the first natural astaxanthin to verify non-GMO status via the Non-GMO Project Verified program.

Condiment maker Tessemae's All Natural will be elevating its ingredient profile with a 100 percent USDA Organic certification starting in January 2016. The 100 percent USDA Organic designation will include 14 dressings and 5 condiments.

Texas-based Natural Vitality has just officially earned Non-GMO Project verification for its Plant-Sourced Minerals naturally chelated ultra minerals. The newly certified liquid product joins its capsule companion making Natural Vitality’s entire product line now almost 80% Non-GMO Project verified.

Santa Cruz Organic is bringing innovation to the pantry with the release of Santa Cruz Organic Peanut Powder, available in two varieties – Original Peanut Powder and Peanut Powder with Milled Chia Seeds. The new peanut powder offerings also have a re-sealable pouch for easy storage. All of the company's products are Certified USDA Organic Non-GMO Project Verified.

Under Amplify Snack Brands' anchor SkinnyPop brand, consumers will be able to enjoy the new flavors of Jalapeño and Dusted Dark Chocolate. It's also launching Paqui, a line of six flavored tortilla chips that are gluten free and contain no artificial ingredients, no MSG, no artificial flavors and no preservatives.

Organic meal delivery service Sakara Life announced the nationwide expansion of its organic meal delivery program. To help accelerate its scale-up, Sakara Life also announced a $4.8M Series A funding round– the first capital influx since co-founders Whitney Tingle and Danielle DuBoise raised $700 at a dinner party to launch the business in 2012. Participating investors include Jeff Boyd and Bob Mylod, former CEO and CFO of Priceline, who became angel investors after helping to lead one of the great success stories in tech history, as well as SV Angel, among others.

Fast-growing hummus producer Tribe has launched its latest Limited Batch flavor, Ranch Hummus, available now at grocery stores nationwide.